[Lymphatic involvement predominating and revealing prostatic carcinoma]

The lymphatic system is the most common site of metastasis of prostatic carcinoma. However, carcinoma of the prostate presenting as lymphadenopathy is rare. It can present at any site and may sometimes mimic lymphoreticular tumors. The diagnosis is based on the histological findings. Histochemical techniques using immunoperoxidase demonstration of acid phosphatase and prostate specific antigen are fundamental in detecting the occult tumor of the prostate. Treatment is palliative and enlargement may occasionally remit with hormone therapy. The prognosis is invariably poor. Survival is less than 5 years irrespective of the response to treatment. Three cases are described herein: 2 presented as retroperitoneal mass and 1 as left lateral cervical lymphadenopathy.